Why would mp3's sound clear only on xmms and only after configuring mpg123 decoder with resolution @ 8, down sample @ 1:2 (22kHz) and channels @ Mono? Is it possible to set decoder on rhythmbox or muine to the same?

Playing around with xmms I've discovered that mp3's will only play correctly if resolution is 8, down sample is 22kHz and channel is mono. I am not able to set my ogg's in similar fashion in xmms. Maybe in a config file for alsa? Thought maybe .asoundrc could help from my readings in opensrc & alsa-project sites, just not sure how to translate my xmms findings into .asoundrc format.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Depends - if you're running under KDE it could be something to do with how you start artsd. Easily configuable in the KDE settings.

You can also start your most newer sound apps with the artsdsp wrapper.

Ah, I failed to say that this is in gnome. PnP & snoop are disabled in bios as is sound server on gnome start.

Updated to add that .wav files played via aplay replicate the sound distortion if at 44 & 16.